In what ways do the three terms differ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences and relationships between the terms "non-relativistic physics," "classical mechanics," and "low speed physics." Participants explore whether these terms are synonymous, their usage in scientific contexts, and the implications of their definitions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that "non-relativistic physics" encompasses anything that does not involve special or general relativity, while "classical mechanics" is a specific non-relativistic theory.
  • Others argue that "low speed physics" may be an informal or outdated term, with uncertainty about its current usage among experts or scientists.
  • A participant suggests that "non-relativistic physics" is a broader concept than "classical mechanics," which is supported by another participant.
  • There is a mention that some individuals might include relativistic mechanics within the scope of classical mechanics, indicating a variation in interpretation.
  • A humorous interpretation of "low speed physics" is introduced, suggesting it could refer to those who take a long time to learn, with a playful term "snail physics" proposed.
  • One participant raises a question about the translation of terms in a science fiction context, speculating that the translator aimed to standardize terminology without definitive evidence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the usage and definitions of the terms, with no consensus reached on the status of "low speed physics" or the inclusion of relativistic mechanics in classical mechanics.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of the terms and their contextual applications, as well as the lack of clarity on the current acceptance of "low speed physics" among the scientific community.

louislaolu
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non-relativistic physics,classical mechanics and low speed physics
I think these three terms are synonyms, but I am not sure whether there is any stylistic difference between them?
Is "low speed physics" informal or outdated or non-standardized compared with the other two?
Please teach me if you know their difference.
Thanks!
 
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Non-relativistic physics is anything that does not apply special or general relativity.
Classical mechanics is classical mechanics and is a non-relativistic theory.
An example of a theory that is non-relativistic but that is not classical mechanics is basic quantum mechanics.
 
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Orodruin said:
Non-relativistic physics is anything that does not apply special or general relativity.
Classical mechanics is classical mechanics and is a non-relativistic theory.
An example of a theory that is non-relativistic but that is not classical mechanics is basic quantum mechanics.
Thank you for the reply, Orodruin. Is it correct to say that non-relativistic physics is a broader concept than classical mechanics.
What about the term "low speed physics"? Do people still or ever use it?
 
louislaolu said:
Thank you for the reply, Orodruin. Is it correct to say that non-relativistic physics is a broader concept than classical mechanics.
Yes.
louislaolu said:
What about the term "low speed physics"? Do people still or ever use it?
I don't know who "people" are, but I don't think I have ever encountered that term as a general nomenclature for something.
 
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I mean experts or scientists by "people". (English is not my native language, so I often fail to say what I mean)
Your explanation helps me a lot. Thank you so much!
 
louislaolu said:
What about the term "low speed physics"? Do people still or ever use it?
It might be applied to those who take a long time to learn. Ironically, there's quite a lot of low speed physics in the relativity forum on here!
 
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Orodruin said:
Classical mechanics is classical mechanics and is a non-relativistic theory.
Some people would include relativistic mechanics as part of classical mechanics.
 
vela said:
Some people would include relativistic mechanics as part of classical mechanics.
That is also acceptable to the effect of relativity being a classical theory (as opposed to a quantum theory).
 
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PeroK said:
It might be applied to those who take a long time to learn. Ironically, there's quite a lot of low speed physics in the relativity forum on here!
Thanks. What an interesting interpretation! I can come up with a new one: snail physics:smile:
 
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vela said:
Some people would include relativistic mechanics as part of classical mechanics.
Thanks.
I am trying to figure out why "low speed physics" in a science fiction was rendered into "classical mechanics (non-relativistic physics)" after the work was translated from Chinese into English. I assume that the translator meant to standardize the original term, but I have no evidence. I feel a canonical view of these terms might account for this better in this context.
 
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